Alison Jones
Alison is a contributing writer for Homes & Gardens. She was previously Co-Editor of Real Homes magazine and now works as a freelance writer for a variety of homes publications. Originally a newspaper journalist, Alison has worked as a film critic and celebrity interviewer, and has also written on property, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and the arts. Having purchased a Victorian property in severe need of updating, much of her time is spent solving the usual issues renovators encounter.
Latest articles by Alison Jones
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8 of the best scented plants to create a perfumed front porch
Gather together a mood-setting mix of plants for a fragrant entrance to your home
By Alison Jones Published
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How to safely remove bees from your home - humane tips to relocate a bees nest
These protected pollinators can be a threat to home and health if they make their hive in your walls. We look at ways to rehome them without harming the colony
By Alison Jones Published
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How to harvest lupine seeds – for sowing new plants next season
The spire-shaped lupine has an abundance of flowers, producing plenty of seeds to reap in the fall
By Alison Jones Published
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How to get rid of hornets in your home – humane and safe ways to deter these pests
Defensive of their nests and with a painful sting, a colony of hornets aren’t creatures you want to share a house with. We look at ways to remove them safely and keep them out
By Alison Jones Published
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Invasive ground cover plants to avoid – 8 species to watch out for in your yard
You may admire their pretty foliage, but left unchecked these plants can smother your flowers and take over in the backyard
By Alison Jones Published
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Is it antisocial to have an overgrown hedge? Avoid upsetting your neighbors with our expert advice
Is your yard a blot on the local landscape with its too-tall trees and scruffy foliage? We look at the etiquette of keeping your borders in check
By Alison Jones Published
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How to grow pleached trees to create a living privacy screen
Shield your yard from being overlooked, or obscure an ugly view, with trees trained into squares
By Alison Jones Published
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How to repair scratches on wood surfaces – tips to revive your furniture and floors
If your favorite pieces have been marked or damaged, follow our tips to get them looking good as new
By Alison Jones Published
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How to grow your own flowers for confetti – create the perfect petals with these beautiful blooms
Add a personal touch to your celebration with confetti blooms you've cultivated yourself, and can enjoy for years afterwards
By Alison Jones Published
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Professional decorators reveal their top tips for preparing a room for painting
Expert painters and decorators share how to prepare a room for painting, from moving and protecting furniture to getting a crisp and even finish every time
By Alison Jones Published
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6 things you should always check before buying a fixer-upper home – don't have buyer's remorse
If you're looking for a transformation challenge, follow our tips to make sure your dream project doesn't turn out to be a dud
By Alison Jones Published
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Painting your home? These are the 10 must-have tools to make the job easier
Follow these professional tips for an even, bristle-free, and drip-free finish to your decorating
By Alison Jones Published
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I'm about to complete a home renovation – this is how I avoided the dreaded 'reno burnout'
Don't let the stress of living on a building site stop your project in its tracks. Learn how to avoid renovation burnout to increase your chances of a successful home renovation.
By Alison Jones Published
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Experts share their secrets for restoring historic homes to their former glory
Follow our expert tips for restoring a historic home and rescuing an older property from decay to reinstate its original features
By Alison Jones Published
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You should spring clean your bed and mattress this month – here's how
Our beds are probably the most used pieces of furniture. Follow these tips to keep them free of dirt and smelling sweet this springtime.
By Alison Jones Published
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How to renovate a house successfully – A first time renovators guide
If you never renovated a home before, follow our complete guide on how to get it right first time
By Alison Jones Published
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10 ways to enjoy clutter-free living without filling your space with bulky furniture
Enjoy clutter-free living by trying these techniques to increase storage without adding bulky furniture to a space.
By Alison Jones Published
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Don't bother fixing these 10 things if you want to sell your house fast
Don't fix these things if you want to sell your home fast, caution real estate experts. These 10 renovations and home improvements may hinder a quick sale.
By Alison Jones Published
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8 ways reclaimed items can look better than new – transform 'trash' into treasure
Ways to reclaim and restore items so they are better than new. Use treasures from the past to renovate your home sustainably and fill it with character
By Alison Jones Published
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10 smart ways to source building materials for less
Use these clever ideas from home renovation experts to save money and keep your remodeling budget on track
By Alison Jones Published
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9 questions to ask a contractor before you hire them for your home renovation
Get ready with some probing questions for your builders to be sure they're the best person for your home renovation project.
By Alison Jones Published
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Your pre-renovation checklist – 10 things you must do before you start your next project
Make sure your home remodel goes to plan by following the ten steps in our pre-renovation checklist
By Alison Jones Published
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How to clean salt residue off floors – clever tricks for every floor type
Don’t let products designed to melt ice wreck your carpets, tiles, or wood flooring – follow our tips for removing it quickly and easily
By Alison Jones Published